Fitch Ratings says GCC debt capital markets grew 14% in 2025, led by US dollar borrowing and record sukuk activity
Fitch Ratings
Latest in Fitch Ratings
economic reforms
Neutral outlook, strong growth: Fitch says GCC set for robust 2026
UAE and Saudi Arabia are forecast to lead regional expansion as reforms, rising oil output and investment strengthen economic momentum
Capital Markets
GCC debt market hits $1.1trn in 3Q25 as sukuk gain momentum – report
Gulf’s debt capital markets grew strongly in the third quarter of 2025, with sukuk driving the expansion and accounting for more than 40% of total outstanding debt, Fitch reports
Fitch Ratings
UK is the West’s leading Islamic finance hub, says Fitch as funds AUM pass $12.5bn
Fitch: UK to remain West’s Islamic finance hub as LSE leads hard-currency sukuk and AUM surges
Dubai real estate
Dubai real estate sector sets record $18.2bn sales in single month with $82m Palm Jumeirah villa leading spree
The Dubai real estate sector saw 50 per cent increase in total sales value compared to May 2024
Dubai real estate
Dubai real estate price forecast amid increased supply: Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings says it expects a ‘moderate correction’ in Dubai real estate prices
Fitch Ratings
Fitch affirms Ras Al Khaimah’s A+ rating as tourism projects drive growth
Ras Al Khaimah maintains strong credit rating backed by tourism investments, low public debt, and projected 6.1% growth through 2026
Asset Management
Saudi asset management industry passed SR1tn for first time
Saudi Arabia assets under management sector tipped to pass $350bn next year
Aluminium tariffs
How US tariffs could impact GCC banks and economy
Fitch Ratings analysis looks at potential impact of US tariffs on GCC banks and economy
Binghatti
Dubai’s Binghatti sees credit rating boost as revenue set to triple in 2025: Fitch
Fitch also assigned Binghatti a ‘stable outlook,’ reflecting confidence in the company’s sustained financial discipline and market leadership
Fitch Ratings
Saudi bank profits hit $21.3bn in 2024 amid fast growth and low risk
Net income at Saudi banks passed $5.7bn last year, according to Fitch Ratings
Capital Markets
GCC debt capital markets to hit $1tn
Fitch Ratings expects debt capital markets in the GCC to grow in 2025
budget surplus
Gulf economies resilient in 2025 as fiscal surpluses persist despite lower oil prices: Fitch
While regional geopolitical risks remain significant, the GCC economies appear well-positioned to maintain stability, supported by prudent fiscal management and ongoing economic diversification efforts
Asset Management
Saudi asset management industry to pass $300bn: Fitch
Saudi asset management industry swells on back of regulatory reform and increased number of high-net-worth individuals in the Kingdom
Fitch Ratings
Global sukuk market reaches $823.4bn, grows 9.8%
Fitch Ratings forecasts upwards trend for global sukuk market
Climate finance
UAE green bond financing reaches $6.4bn ahead of COP28
The UAE holds 19 per cent of the world’s sustainable bonds says Fitch Ratings
